Our goal is for BH Live to be Net Zero.

We are very aware of our environmental responsibilities when it comes to protecting the environment.

Setting a Net Zero target has been the catalyst for many new initiatives; like renewable energy installations, energy & water conservation, waste management and recycling practices, biodiversity projects, promoting greener travel and LED lighting schemes.

By managing our environmental impacts and supporting others to do the same, we aim to improve the environment for the benefit of local community, customers, business partners and employees.

Green Mark Accreditation

We have Green Mark Level 2 Accreditation at all of the leisure centres that we manage in Bournemouth, and Portsmouth. This helps us identify where we can implement sustainable practices and create a procedure for assessing our own environmental impact.

Leisure centres in Southampton are earlier in the process, and we are committed to attaining the same standards.

Sustainable power

In February 2025, BH Live installed more than 90 new solar panels at Littledown Centre in Bournemouth, offsetting around 23 tonnes of carbon every year and generating over 41,000 kWh of renewable energy, enough to power more than 15 UK homes for a year.

Thanks to funding from Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund, Portsmouth City Council installed more than 500 solar panels at Mountbatten Leisure Centre, which are expected to supply 90% of the centre’s electricity.

The same fund also enabled Southampton City Council to install a major solar array at BH Live Active, The Quays in December 2025, projected to generate 90,669 kWh of clean energy each year, save around £18,000, and cut carbon emissions by roughly 16 tonnes.

Currently, there are Solar PV installations at the following locations;

• Littledown
• Stokewood
• Mountbatten
• Portsmouth Gymnastic & Tennis Centre
• The Quays

Our five-year plan, includes further PV, Air & TurnTide developments as we continue to push sustainability and our long-term goal to reduce our carbon footprint.

Sustainable travel

We have recently expanded our electric fleet to reduce operational carbon emissions. This follows the installation of brand-new EV (electric vehicle) chargers at Sir David English Sports Centre in November 2024, supporting more sustainable travel options for colleagues and visitors.

Biodiversity and community wellbeing

We are committed to making a positive environmental impact in the local communities we serve. BH Live’s Portsmouth Interaction’s Conservation Group has been supporting the local community since 2017 in partnership with Portsmouth City Council. Between April 2024 and March 2025, the group recorded nearly 400 attendances, with volunteers delivering an average of 11.5 hours of conservation work each week. Activities include clearing litter, removing unwanted saplings, and maintaining green spaces across Hilsea. Since its inception, the group has planted more than 450 trees.

Sir David English Sports Centre has created a designated wild space outside the centre, planting wildflowers and grasses to enhance greenery and support local pollinators for years to come.

We have also joined BCP Council’s Climate Partnership Forum, reinforcing our commitment to meaningful environmental action with local partners for communities across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole.

Waste management and recycling

We monitor our waste management and recycling levels via regular waste reports, to optimise our efforts and minimise waste. Numbers we’re continually looking to improve.

We recycle paper, cardboard, glass, plastic as well as the food waste from our kitchens.

We responsibly dispose of all electrical items - with a plug, battery or cable - in accordance with the latest WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Regulations.

Lighting controls

Colleagues are encouraged to turn off lights when spaces are not in use. Sensors and timers help us to reduce consumption

Read more on our charity website - https://www.bhlive.org.uk/bh-live-celebrates-sustainability-pledge-progress/